Dominican Republic Country Info: History
Original Past
Archeologists identify several groups of early inhabitants. The ancient Arawaks, 250 BC, are most easily traced because of their distinctive ceramics.
An estimated 400,000 Taino Indians with origins in Venezuela lived on Hispaniola when Christopher Columbus landed in search of gold. Columbus named the island Hispaniola, meaning "Little Spain," intending to make it the centerpiece of Spain’s new empire. When the gold gave out the dream died with it and Spanish settlers moved on.
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Recent Past
A succession of countries laid claim to the Dominican Republic including Spain, France, and the United States. However, the Dominican’s nationalistic spirit eventually won them the independence they have had since 1865. A long period under dictator, Rafael Leonidas Trujillos included repression, torture and murder. However this came with land reforms, building and economic success during his administration.
In recent years, free elections resumed. The current president is President Rafael Hipolito MEJIA Dominguez.
Culture
A variety of cultures have influenced Dominican society. Traditional "Taino" foods, medicines and words are familiar today. The Spanish settlers gave the country their language, and the Roman Catholic faith.
Africans, originally brought here as slaves, contributed their own religion, art and music. A US presence has also left its mark. Baseball is the favorite national pastime.
Music and dance is at the heart of Dominican culture. Most popular is the meringue which you will hear, full volume, almost anywhere you go in the country. Bachata, the Dominican country music, and Salsa are also favorite musical types.
The National School of the Arts, founded in 1942, is largely responsible for the country’s fine painting tradition. “Primitive” art that relies less on perspective and shading and more on color and action, is also popular.
Architecture is another important part of Dominican culture, from the well-preserved colonial Spanish buildings to the brightly colored farmhouses of the countryside.